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Vegetation biodiversity in mountainous regions is controlled by altitudinal gradients and their corresponding microclimate. Higher temperatures, shorter snow cover periods, and high variability in the precipitation regime might lead to changes in vegetation distribution in mountains all over the world. In this study, we evaluate vegetation distribution along an altitudinal gradient (1334–1667 m.a.s.l.) in the Zao Mountains, northeastern Japan, by means of alpha diversity indices, including species richness, the Shannon index, and the Simpson index. In order to assess vegetation species and their characteristics along the mountain slope selected, fourteen 50 m × 50 m plots were selected at different altitudes and scanned with RGB cameras attached to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Image analysis revealed the presence of 12 dominant tree and shrub species of which the number of individuals and heights were validated with fieldwork ground truth data. The results showed a significant variability in species richness along the altitudinal gradient. Species richness ranged from 7 to 11 out of a total of 12 species. Notably, species such as Fagus crenata, despite their low individual numbers, dominated the canopy area. In contrast, shrub species like Quercus crispula and Acer tschonoskii had high individual numbers but covered smaller canopy areas. Tree height correlated well with canopy areas, both representing tree size, which has a strong relationship with species diversity indices. Species such as F. crenata, Q. crispula, Cornus controversa, and others have an established range of altitudinal distribution. At high altitudes (1524–1653 m), the average shrubs’ height is less than 4 m, and the presence of Abies mariesii is negligible because of high mortality rates caused by a severe bark beetle attack. These results highlight the complex interactions between species abundance, canopy area, and altitude, providing valuable insights into vegetation distribution in mountainous regions. However, species diversity indices vary slightly and show some unusually low values without a clear pattern. Overall, these indices are higher at lower altitudes, peak at mid-elevations, and decrease at higher elevations in the study area. Vegetation diversity indices did not show a clear downward trend with altitude but depicted a vegetation composition at different altitudes as controlled by their surrounding environment. Finally, UAVs showed their significant potential for conducting large-scale vegetation surveys reliably and in a short time, with low costs and low manpower.

Tool wear management and real-time machining quality monitoring are pivotal components of realizing smart manufacturing objectives, as they directly influence machining precision and productivity. Traditionally, measuring and analyzing cutting force fluctuations in the time domain has been employed to diagnose tool wear effects. This study introduces a novel, indirect approach that leverages spindle-load current variations as a proxy for cutting force analysis. Compared to conventional methods relying on machining vibration or direct cutting force measurement, this technique provides a safer, simpler, and more cost-effective means of data aquisition, with reduced computational demands. Consequently, it is ideally suited for real-time monitoring and long-term analyses such as tool-life prediction and surface-roughness evolution induced by tool wear. An intelligent tool wear monitoring system was developed based on spindle-load current data. The system employs extensive cutting experiments to identify and analyze the correlation between tool wear and spindle-load current signal patterns. By establishing a tool wear near-end-of-life threshold, the system enables intelligent monitoring using C#. Experimental validation under both roughing and finishing conditions demonstrated the system’s exceptional diagnostic accuracy and reliability. The results demonstrate that the current ratio threshold value has good universality in different materials, indicating that monitoring the machining current ratio to estimate the degree of tool wear is a feasible research direction, and that the average error between the experimental surface-roughness measurement value and the predicted value was 10%.

Brown rice germination increases γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and enhances its antioxidant activity. In this study, Kaohsiung 145 brown rice was used as the raw material, and soaked in various solutions for 6 h before being processed with either high-pressure processing (HPP) or ultrasonic treatment to increase the GABA content. The GABA and antioxidant components of brown rice were analyzed after 42 h of germination and subsequent air-drying to obtain a moisture content of 14%. The results showed that non-germinated brown rice had GABA at 7.10 mg/100 g and treatment with various soaking solutions (0.1% CaCl2, 0.1% Glu, 0.2% CaCl2, and 0.2% Glu) increased GABA contents. Specifically, 0.1% CaCl2 and 0.1% Glu exhibited higher GABA content, at 42.51 and 44.64 mg/100 g. Furthermore, the GABA content increased synergistically when combined with HPP (100 MPa, 10 min) and ultrasonic (20 min) treatments after soaking. The results showed that the GABA contents in germinated rice were the greatest after ultrasonic treatment, followed by HPP treatment, and the least with only soaking treatment. The treatments with 0.1% CaCl2 and 0.2% Glu combined with ultrasonic processing for 20 min resulted in the highest GABA content at 102.38 and 110.88 mg/100 g, respectively. Finally, 0.1% CaCl2 with ultrasonic treatment for 20 min was chosen, as it demonstrated a considerable improvement in total polyphenols content and DPPH scavenging abilities, as seen by improved scores in subsequent taste evaluations.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Intracellular oxidative stress induced by lipid accumulation leads to various hepatocellular injuries including fibrosis. However, no effective method for mitigating MASLD without substantial side effects currently exists. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has garnered attention due to its efficiency in neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its ability to penetrate cell membranes. Some clinical evidence suggests that H2 may alleviate fatty liver disease, but the precise molecular mechanisms, particularly the regulation of lipid droplet (LD) metabolism, remain unclear. This study utilized an in vitro model of hepatocyte lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids (FFAs) to replicate MASLD in HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated a significant increase in LD accumulation due to elevated FFA levels. However, the addition of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) effectively reduced LD accumulation. HRW decreased the diameter of LDs and reduced lipid peroxidation and FFA-induced oxidative stress by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that HRW has potential as an adjunctive supplement in managing fatty liver disease by reducing LD accumulation and enhancing antioxidant pathways, presenting a novel strategy for impeding MASLD progression.

Upwelling, which mixes deep and surface waters, significantly enhances the productivity of surface waters and plays a critical role in marine ecosystems, especially in key fishing areas like Zhoushan. This study utilized merged sea surface temperature data and an upwelling edge detection algorithm based on temperature gradients to analyze the characteristics of upwelling in Zhoushan and the Yangtze River Estuary over the past 28 years. The results indicate that upwelling in Zhoushan begins in April, peaks in July, gradually weakens, and disappears by October. The phenomenon is most pronounced during the summer months (June to August), with significant spatial distribution differences in April and September. Notably, high probability values of upwelling centers and core areas are mainly concentrated near Ma’an Island, Zhongjieshan Island, and Taohua Island. In these areas, upwelling remains stable during the summer, forming a unique “footprint” distribution pattern, and these are also the locations of the Zhoushan National Marine Ranch. From April to August, the extent of the upwelling area gradually decreases and stabilizes. These findings emphasize the frequent upwelling activity around Zhoushan and its significant contribution to the formation of local fisheries. Additionally, considering that the formation of natural upwelling in the East China Sea depends on the southern monsoon, the study suggests establishing artificial upwelling systems during periods unfavorable for natural upwelling, based on high probability areas, to enhance fishery yields and support the development of local fisheries.

Despite advancement in surgical innovation, C1-C2 fixation remains challenging due to risks of screw malposition and vertebral artery (VA) injuries. Traditional image-based navigation, while useful, often demands that surgeons frequently shift their attention to external monitors, potentially causing distractions. In this article, we introduce a microscope-based augmented reality (AR) navigation system that projects both anatomical information and real-time navigation images directly onto the surgical field. In the present case report, we discuss a 37-year-old female who suffered from os odontoideum with C1-C2 subluxation. Employing AR-assisted navigation, the patient underwent the successful posterior instrumentation of C1-C2. The integrated AR system offers direct visualization, potentially minimizing surgical distractions. In our opinion, as AR technology advances, its adoption in surgical practices and education is anticipated to expand.

Previous studies showed that NaIO3 can induce oxidative stress-mediated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage to simulate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lemon peel is rich in antioxidants and components that can penetrate the blood–retinal barrier, but their role in retinal oxidative damage remains unexplored. Here, we explore the protection of lemon peel ultrasonic-assisted water extract (LUWE), containing large amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols, against NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration. We initially demonstrated that LUWE, orally administered, prevented retinal distortion and thinning on the inner and outer nuclei layers, downregulating cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in RPE cells in NaIO3-induced mice. The effect of LUWE was achieved through the suppression of apoptosis and the associated proteins, such as cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3, as suggested by NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cell models. This is because LUWE reduced reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial fission via regulating p-Drp-1 and Fis1 expression. We further confirmed that LUWE suppresses the expression of p-MEK-1/2 and p-ERK-1/2 in NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cells, thereby providing the protection described above, which was confirmed using PD98059 and U0126. These results indicated that LUWE prevents mitochondrial oxidative stress-mediated RPE damage via the MEK/ERK pathway. Elucidation of the molecular mechanism may provide a new protective strategy against retinal degeneration.

To enhance the various properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), varying concentrations of carboxy-functionalized graphene (CFG) were employed in the preparation of CFG/PVA nanocomposite films. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that CFG, in contrast to graphene, not only possesses carboxylic acid group but also exhibits higher crystallinity. Mechanical testing indicated a notable superiority of CFG addition over graphene, with optimal mechanical properties such as tensile and yield strengths being achieved at a 3% CFG concentration. Relative to pure PVA, the tensile strength and yield strength of the composite increased by 2.07 and 2.01 times, respectively. XRD analysis showed distinct changes in the crystalline structure of PVA with the addition of CFG, highlighting the influence of CFG on the composite structure. FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the formation of ester bonds between CFG and PVA, enhancing the overall performance of the material. TGA results also demonstrated that the presence of CFG enhanced the thermal stability of CFG/PVA nanocomposite films. However, analyses using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that a 3% concentration of CFG was uniformly dispersed, whereas a 6% concentration of CFG caused aggregation of the nanofiller, leading to a decrease in performance. The incorporation of CFG significantly enhanced the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of PVA, with the best performance observed at a 3% CFG concentration. Beyond this concentration, barrier properties were diminished owing to CFG aggregation. The study further demonstrated an increase in electrical conductivity and hydrophobicity of the nanocomposites with the addition of CFG. Antibacterial tests against E. coli showed that CFG/PVA nanocomposites exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, especially at higher CFG concentrations. These findings indicate that CFG/PVA nanocomposites, with an optimized CFG concentration, have significant potential for applications requiring enhanced mechanical strength, barrier properties, and antibacterial capabilities.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastrointestinal (GI) diseases impact both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals, yet comprehensive studies highlighting the differences between these groups are lacking. Methods: In this retrospective study (January 2000 to July 2022) of 401 patients with confirmed CMV GI diseases, we categorized them based on immunological status and compared manifestations, treatments, outcomes, and prognostic factors. Results: The immunocompromised patients (n = 193) showed older age, severe illnesses, and higher comorbidity rates. GI bleeding, the predominant manifestation, occurred more in the immunocompetent group (92.6% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.009). Despite longer antiviral therapy, the immunocompromised patients had higher in-hospital (32.2% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.034) and overall mortality rates (91.1% vs. 43.4%, p < 0.001). The independent factors influencing in-hospital mortality in the immunocompromised patients included GI bleeding (OR 5.782, 95% CI 1.257–26.599, p = 0.024) and antiviral therapy ≥ 14 days (OR 0.232, 95% CI 0.059–0.911, p = 0.036). In the immunocompetent patients, age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.006–1.159, p = 0.032), GI bleeding (OR 10.036, 95% CI 1.183–85.133, p = 0.035), and time to diagnosis (OR 1.029, 95% CI 1.004–1.055, p = 0.021) were significant prognostic factors, with the age and diagnosis time cut-offs for survival being 70 years and 31.5 days, respectively. Conclusions: GI bleeding is the most common manifestation and prognostic factor in both groups. Early diagnosis and effective antiviral therapy can significantly reduce in-hospital mortality.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of heterogeneous clinical courses varying from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), in which disability is linked to bouts of inflammation, to progressive disease such as primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS), in which neurological disability is thought to be linked to neurodegeneration. As a result, successful therapeutics for progressive MS likely need to have both anti-inflammatory and direct neuroprotective properties. The modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors has been implicated in neuroprotection in preclinical animal models. Siponimod/BAF312, the first oral treatment approved for SPMS, may have direct neuroprotective benefits mediated by its activity as a selective (S1P receptor 1) S1P1 and (S1P receptor 5) S1P5 modulator. We showed that S1P1 was mainly present in cortical neurons in lesioned areas of the MS brain. To gain a better understanding of the neuroprotective effects of siponimod in MS, we used both rat neurons and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons treated with the neuroinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Cell survival/apoptotic assays using flow cytometry and IncuCyte live cell analyses showed that siponimod decreased TNF-α induced neuronal cell apoptosis in both rat and human iPSCs. Importantly, a transcriptomic analysis revealed that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, NFκB and cytokine signaling pathways contributed to siponimod’s neuroprotective effects. Our data suggest that the neuroprotection of siponimod/BAF312 likely involves the relief of oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms of such interactions to determine the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration.

This study on total suspended matter (TSM) in the Pearl River Estuary established a regression analysis model using Landsat 8 reflectance and measured TSM data, crucial for environmental management and engineering projects. High coefficients of determination (>0.6) were reported for the selected models. TSM concentration was notably high in 2013, peaking at 180 mg/L during the flood season and 80 mg/L in the dry season. In contrast, 2020 saw lower concentrations. Similar spatial distribution patterns were observed during dry and flood seasons, with high nearshore and low offshore TSM concentrations. Statistical analyses revealed natural factors (precipitation and runoff) as major influencers of the TSM distribution, with human activities presenting localized, limited impacts, except under long-term and large-scale conditions. Over time, the influence of large-scale water-based construction, such as the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, on TSM distribution became significant.

Global energy sources are limited, and energy requirements are ever-increasing due to the demand for developments in human life and technology. The environmentally friendly direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) is an attractive electronic device due to its clean energy. In a DFAFC, an anodic catalyst plays an important role concerning the oxidation pathway and activity. In the present study, palladium (Pd) was synthesized by synchrotron X-ray photoreduction using various irradiation times (0.5–4 min) to control the particle size. An acid-treated carbon nanotube (A-CNT) was used as the template for Pd deposition. The A-CNT and Pd/A-CNT were examined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to reveal the microstructural characteristics. Electrochemical evaluation, electrocatalytic activity, and the DFAFC performance of so-obtained Pd/A-CNT catalysts were investigated. The experiment’s results showed that the Pd/A-CNT-2 (i.e., synchrotron photoreduction for 2 min) underwent a direct formic acid oxidation pathway and possessed a high ECSA value of 62.59 m2/gPd and superior electrocatalytic activity of 417.7 mA/mgPd. In a single DFAFC examination, the anodic Pd/A-CNT-2 catalyst had a power density of 106.2 mW/mgPd and a relatively long lifetime of 2.91 h. Pd/A-CNT-2 anodic catalysts synthesized by surfactant-free synchrotron X-ray photoreduction with a rapid processing time (2 min) are potential candidates for DFAFC applications.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and the incidence and death rate of OSCC in men is twice that of women. CD47 is a ubiquitous cell surface transmembrane protein, also known as integrin-related protein (IAP). Previous studies have pointed out that CD47 can inhibit the growth of OSCC, but the detailed mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to explore the effect of CD47 gene expression profiles in OSCC. The OSCC cell lines, OECM-1 and OC-2, overexpressed CD47, and the expression profiles of mRNAs were analyzed through next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a bioinformatic approach. A total of 14 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were listed. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the molecular function (MF), biological process (BP), and cellular component (CC) network signaling. The human protein atlas (HPA) database was used to analyze gene expression and the survivability of human cancer. The results found that HSPA5, HYOU1, and PDIA4 were involved in the IPA network and when highly expressed, mediated the survivability of cancer. In addition, HSPA5 was positively and significantly correlated with CD47 expression (p < 0.0001) and induced by CD47-overexpression in the OECM-1 and OC-2 OSCC cancer cell lines. These findings provide important insights into possible new diagnostic strategies, including unfolded protein for OSCC-targeting CD47.

Satellites with low-to-medium spatial resolution face challenges in monitoring the early and receding stages of green tides, while those with high spatial resolution tend to reduce the monitoring frequency of such phenomena. This study aimed to observe the emergence, evolution, and migratory patterns of green tides. We integrated GF-1 and MODIS imagery to collaboratively monitor the green tide disaster in the Yellow Sea during 2021. Initially, a linear regression model was employed to adjust the green tide coverage area as captured using MODIS imagery. We jointly observed the distribution range, drift path, and coverage area of the green tide and analyzed the drift path in coordination with offshore wind field and flow field data. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of SST, SSS, and rainfall on the 2021 green tide outbreak. The correlations calculated between SST, SSS, and precipitation with the changes in the area of the green tide were 0.43, 0.76, and 0.48, respectively. Our findings indicate that the large-scale green tide outbreak in 2021 may be associated with several factors. An increase in SST and SSS during the initial phase of the green tide established the essential conditions, while substantial rainfall during its developmental stage provided favorable conditions. Notably, the SSS exhibited a close association with the outbreak of the green tide.

Total suspended solids (TSS) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) are critical water quality parameters. Focusing on the Pearl River Estuary and its coastal waters, this study compared the performance of XGBoost- and BPNN-based algorithms in estimating TSS and Chl-a levels. The XGBoost-based algorithm demonstrated better performance and was then used to estimate TSS and Chl-a in the Pearl River Estuary and coastal waters from 2000 to 2021. According to our results, TSS and Chl-a were relatively high mainly in the northwest and low in the southeast. Furthermore, values were high in spring and summer and low in fall and winter, with high values emerging near the estuary of the Pearl River. In summer, a band zone with high Chl-a was observed from south of Yamen to south of Hong Kong. In terms of trends, TSS and Chl-a concentrations in the area around the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge tended to decrease from 2000 to 2021. As the construction of the bridge began, changes in water flow caused by the bridge piers and artificial islands were influenced, the change in the rate of TSS in the west area of the bridge was greater than 0, and the TSS in the upstream area of the west side changed from decreasing to increasing trends. Concerning Chl-a concentrations, the change in the rate in the downstream area of the west side of the bridge was greater than 0. The study may provide a helpful example for similar estuarine and coastal waters in other coastal areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a distinctive impact on Hong Kong, especially given the city’s prior experience with the SARS outbreak. The resulting psychological distress has been exacerbated by Hong Kong’s extreme density and compactness, which places residents in proximity on the streets searching for outdoor activities. Streets are a precious source of space for social interactions, but, unfortunately, the pandemic has forced them to empty, leading to increased distress and challenging the psychological well-being of the urban population. In this study, we explore street vibrancy patterns in terms of outdoor activities, here addressed through a decision-making psychological perspective as volitional behaviors determined by psychological factors and essential for well-being, in one of the densest neighborhoods in Hong Kong. We statistically analyzed behavioral monitoring data in relation to spatial and morphological characteristics of their environments under COVID-19 psychological distress. The results highlighted the relevance of specific parcels of the streets acting as clusters and vibrancy initiators, stressing their significance in terms of affective and cognitive inputs determining context-based outdoor activities. The decision-making psychological perspective adopted here to address outdoor activities has relevant implications for design and planning strategies for post-pandemic scenarios, for psychological well-being, and for the future of urban density.

This research delves into the impact of incorporating thermally treated oyster shell powder (TOS), a biowaste filler, into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to develop a LDPE/TOS blend, aiming at enhancing food packaging materials. The LDPE/TOS blend portrays advantageous characteristics such as augmented mechanical strength, thermostability, crystallinity, water absorption, and improved hydrophobicity with TOS content up to 50%. Microstructure analysis reveals a transition from a sparse to a more interconnected structure, contributing to the amplified tensile strength. The blend demonstrates increased barrier properties against water vapor transmission, which is attributed to elongated diffusion paths induced by the TOS particles. Application of the blend material in vegetable preservation trials manifested a substantial reduction in water loss compared to pure LDPE or no packaging. This biowaste-based blend film extends the shelf-life of chicken significantly when compared to that of pure LDPE. Importantly, the LDPE/TOS blend exhibits excellent antibacterial properties against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Earlier studies have examined various factors that may contribute to the contagion rate of COVID-19, such as urban climatic and socioeconomic characteristics. However, there is a lack of studies at the township level detailing the spatiotemporal settings of built environment attributes, especially in the context of lockdown as a response to the global Omicron outbreak. In this study, we extended the existing literature by relating the initial-stage Omicron pandemic conditions with more comprehensive measures of the built environment, including density, diversity, design, distance to transit, and destination accessibility. The variations from the confirmed clusters of COVID-19 and asymptomatic infected cases before, during, and after the lockdown throughout the Omicron outbreak were identified geographically using GIS methods in 218 township-level divisions across Shanghai during the lockdown period. We also compared the regression results of the ordinary least-squares regression, geographically weighted regression, and geographically and temporally weighted regression. Our results show that (1) among all the built environment variables, metro line length, walking accessibility, hotel and inn density, and population exhibited positive significance in influencing pandemic prevalence; (2) spatial and temporal variations were evident in the association between accessibility, mobility, density-related built environment variables, and COVID-19 transmission across three phases: pre-lockdown, during lockdown, and post-lockdown. This study highlights the importance of targeted public health interventions in densely populated areas with high demand for public transit. It emphasizes the significance of transportation network layout and walking accessibility in controlling the spread of infectious diseases in specific urban contexts. By considering these factors, policymakers and stakeholders can foster urban resilience and effectively mitigate the impact of outbreaks, aligning with the objectives of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Duodenal obstruction is often accompanied with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction in patients who have undergone biliary self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement. Duodenobiliary reflux (DBR) is a major cause of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) after covered biliary SEMS placement. We analyzed the risk factors for DBR-related SEMS dysfunction following treatment for malignant duodenal obstruction. Sixty-one patients with covered SEMS who underwent treatment for duodenal obstruction were included. We excluded patients with tumor-related stent dysfunction (n = 6) or metal stent migration (n = 1). Fifty-four patients who underwent covered biliary SEMS placement followed by duodenal metal stenting or surgical gastrojejunostomy were included. Eleven patients had DBR-related biliary SEMS dysfunction after treatment of duodenal obstruction. There was no difference between the duodenal metal stenting group and the surgical gastrojejunostomy group. Duodenal obstruction below the papilla of Vater and a score of ≤2 on the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System after treatment for duodenal obstruction were associated with DBR-related covered biliary SEMS dysfunction. Thus, creating a reliable route for ensuring good oral intake and avoiding DBR in patients with duodenal obstruction below the papilla of Vater are both important factors in preventing DBR-related covered biliary SEMS dysfunction.

The present study was conducted to manipulate various biomaterials to find potential hydrogel formulations through three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting fabrication for tissue repair, reconstruction, or regeneration. The hydrogels were prepared using sodium alginate and gelatin combined with different concentrations of Pluronic F127 (6% (3 g), 8% (4 g), and 10% (5 g)) and were marked as AGF-6%, AGF-8%, and AGF-10%, respectively. The properties of the hydrogels were investigated using a contact angle goniometer, rheometer, and 3D bioprinter. In addition, the osteoblast-like cell line (MG-63) was used to evaluate the cell viability including hydrogels before and after 3D bioprinting. It was found that the ratio of contact angle was lowest at AGF-6%, and the rheological results were higher for all samples of AGF-6%, AGF-8%, and AGF-10% compared with the control sample. The printability indicated that the AGF-6% hydrogel possessed great potential in creating a cell scaffold with shape integrity. Moreover, the live/dead assay also presented the highest numbers of live cells before printing compared with after printing. However, the number of live cells on day 7 was higher than on day 1 before and after printing (** p < 0.01). Therefore, the combination of AGF-6% could be developed as a biofunctional hydrogel formulation for potential tissue regeneration applications.

Large-area craniofacial defects remain a challenge for orthopaedists, hastening the need to develop a facile and safe tissue engineering strategy; osteoconductive material and a combination of optimal growth factors and microenvironment should be considered. Faced with the unmet need, we propose that abundant cytokines and chemokines can be secreted from the bone defect, provoking the infiltration of endogenous stem cells to assist bone regeneration. We can provide a potent mRNA medicine cocktail to promptly initiate the formation of bone templates, osteogenesis, and subsequent bone matrix deposition via endochondral ossification, which may retard rapid fibroblast infiltration and prevent the formation of atrophic non-union. We explored the mutual interaction of BMP2 and TGFβ3 mRNA, both potent chondrogenic factors, on inducing endochondral ossification; examined the influence of in vitro the transcribed polyA tail length on mRNA stability; prepared mRNA nanomedicine using a PEGylated polyaspartamide block copolymer loaded in a gelatin sponge and grafted in a critical-sized calvarial defect; and evaluated bone regeneration using histological and μCT examination. The BMP2 and TGFβ3 composite mRNA nanomedicine resulted in over 10-fold new bone volume (BV) regeneration in 8 weeks than the BMP2 mRNA nanomedicine administration alone, demonstrating that the TGFβ3 mRNA nanomedicine synergistically enhances the bone’s formation capability, which is induced by BMP2 mRNA nanomedicine. Our data demonstrated that mRNA-medicine-mediated endochondral ossification provides an alternative cell-free tissue engineering methodology for guiding craniofacial defect healing.

This study employs a survey to investigate the societal response to COVID-19 in Italy. Data were collected via snowball sampling during the period April 2020 to April 2021 using the ArcGIS Survey 123 survey instrument. The study collected and analyzed 64 responses to investigate various aspects related to COVID-19. The areas covered in the analysis include socioeconomics, changing symptoms, relocation, physical distancing, health, social behaviors (past and future), personal attitudes, perceptions of government/public response and efficacy, beliefs, travel habits, well-being, current event worries, pandemic challenges, depression, vaccine, public opinion, personality, public health measures, social media preference, and contact with others. The study’s results provide a snapshot of how people across Italy experienced the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and can help public health organizations, decision-makers, and the general public address policies related to symptoms, social distance, policy measures/regulations, and social behaviors during the different policy phases and wave measures related to COVID-19 effects.

Nano zinc oxide-decorated graphene (G-ZnO) was blended with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) to improve its tensile, thermal, crystalline, and barrier properties. The properties of neat PPS and PPS/G-ZnO nanocomposites were characterized and compared using various tests, including tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, evaluation of Escherichia coli inhibition, and barrier performance. The results demonstrated that G-ZnO played a crucial role in heterogeneous nucleation and reinforcement. When the concentration of G-ZnO was 0.3%, the tensile strength, elongation at break, thermostability, crystallinity, and water vapor permeability coefficients (WVPC) approached their maximum values, and the microscopic morphology changed from the original brittle fracture to a relatively tough fracture. In addition, when G-ZnO was added to PPS at a ratio of 0.3%, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and WVPC of PPS were increased by 129%, 150%, and 283%, respectively, compared to pure PPS. G-ZnO endowed the nanocomposites with antibacterial properties. The improvement in barrier performance can be attributed to three reasons: (1) the presence of G-ZnO extended the penetration path of molecules; (2) the coordination and hydrogen bonds between PPS polymer matrix and G-ZnO nanofiller narrowed the H2O transmission path; and (3) due to its more hydrophobic surface, water molecules were less likely to enter the interior of PPS/G-ZnO nanocomposites. This study provides valuable insights for developing high-performance PPS-based nanocomposites for various applications.

Although a few large-scale studies have investigated multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and laminoplasty (LAMP) and their related complications for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), the optimal surgical intervention remains controversial. Therefore, we compared their 30 days of postoperative complications. Through the 2010–2019 ACS NSQIP Participant Use Data Files, we estimated the risk of serious morbidity, reoperation, readmission, mortality, and other postoperative complications. Initially, propensity score matching (PSM) of the preoperative characteristics of both groups was performed for further analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis provided OR and 95% CI for comparative complications. After PSM, 621 pairs of cohorts were generated for both groups. Increased frequency of postoperative complications was observed in the LAMP group, especially for surgical wound infection, no matter whether superficial (ACDF/LAMP = 0%/1.13%, p = 0.0154) or deep wound infection (ACDF/LAMP = 0%/0.97%, p = 0.0309). The mean length of total hospital stays (ACDF/LAMP = 2.25/3.11, p < 0.0001) and days from operation to discharge (ACDF/LAMP = 2.12/3.08, p < 0.0001) were longer, while the hospitalization rate for over 30 days (ACDF/LAMP = 4.67%/7.41%, p = 0.0429) and unplanned reoperation (ACDF/LAMP = 6.12%/9.34%, p = 0.0336) were higher in LAMP. Results also indicated congestive heart failure as a risk factor (adjusted OR = 123.402, p = 0.0002). Conclusively, multilevel ACDF may be a safer surgical approach than LAMP for CSM in terms of perioperative morbidities, including surgical wound infection, prolonged hospitalization, and unplanned reoperation. However, these approaches showed no significant differences in systemic complications and perioperative mortality.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths, but early detection can reduce mortality. NSCLC comprises mainly adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma have emerged as promising biomarkers for NSCLC. However, existing techniques for analyzing miRNAs have limitations, such as restricted target detection and time-consuming procedures. The MiSeqDx System has been shown to overcome these limitations, making it a promising tool for routine clinical settings. We investigated whether the MiSeqDx could profile cell-free circulating miRNAs in plasma and diagnose NSCLC. We sequenced RNA from the plasma of patients with AC and SCC and from cancer-free smokers using the MiSeqDx to profile and compare miRNA expressions. The MiSeqDx exhibits high speed and accuracy when globally analyzing plasma miRNAs. The entire workflow, encompassing RNA to data analysis, was completed in under three days. We also identified panels of plasma miRNA biomarkers that can diagnose NSCLC with 67% sensitivity and 68% specificity, and detect SCC with 90% sensitivity and 94% specificity, respectively. This study is the first to demonstrate that rapid profiling of plasma miRNAs using the MiSeqDx has the potential to offer a straightforward and effective method for the early detection and classification of NSCLC.

Obesity is strongly associated with insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes (T2D), mainly because free fatty acids (FFAs) are released from excess fat tissue. Long-term exposure to high levels of FFAs and glucose leads to glucolipotoxicity, causing damage to pancreatic β-cells, thus accelerating the progression of T2D. Therefore, the prevention of β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis is essential to prevent the development of T2D. Unfortunately, there are currently no specific clinical strategies for protecting β-cells, highlighting the need for effective therapies or preventive approaches to improve the survival of β-cells in T2D. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the monoclonal antibody denosumab (DMB), used in osteoporosis, displays a positive effect on blood glucose regulation in patients with T2D. DMB acts as an osteoprotegerin (OPG) by inhibiting the receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL), preventing the maturation and function of osteoclasts. However, the exact mechanism by which the RANK/RANKL signal affects glucose homeostasis has not been fully explained. The present study used human 1.4 × 107 β-cells to simulate the T2D metabolic condition of high glucose and free fatty acids (FFAs), and it investigated the ability of DMB to protect β-cells from glucolipotoxicity. Our results show that DMB effectively attenuated the cell dysfunction and apoptosis caused by high glucose and FFAs in β-cells. This may be caused by blocking the RANK/RANKL pathway that reduced mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) activation and indirectly increased pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) expression. Furthermore, the increase in inflammatory cytokines and ROS caused by the RANK/RANKL signal also played an important role in glucolipotoxicity-induced cytotoxicity, and DMB can also protect β-cells by reducing the mechanisms mentioned above. These findings provide detailed molecular mechanisms for the future development of DMB as a potential protective agent of β-cells.

Under the influence of global warming, the problem of sea-level rise is becoming increasingly prominent. The northern part of the South China Sea (SCS) is low lying, with intense economic development, and densely populated. These characteristics make the region extremely sensitive to the consequences of rising sea levels. This study aims to reveal the trends of sea-level changes in the northern SCS and provide scientific insights into the potential flooding risks in low-lying areas. To achieve this, the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method is used to analyze the water level time series data from three tide gauges along the coast of Hong Kong. This analysis reveals the multidimensional change characteristics and response mechanisms of the sea level in the SCS. The findings reveal distinct seasonal, interannual, decadal, and interdecadal variations in sea-level changes. Furthermore, we explore the impact of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on sea-level changes in the study area, finding a 6-month lagged correlation between the sea level and ENSO. Spatially, the rate of sea-level change is faster in nearshore areas than in the open ocean and higher in the northern regions than in the southern regions. The Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA) method is employed to analyze the sea-level change time series, revealing long-range correlations and multifractal characteristics. In addition, we propose a sea-level prediction method that combines EEMD with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks and conducts empirical research on sea-level changes in the northern South China Sea. The results indicate that the EEMD-LSTM model outperforms the standalone LSTM model in terms of predictive accuracy, effectively eliminating noise from signals and providing a valuable reference. In summary, this research delves into the multiscale characteristics and influencing factors of sea-level changes in the northern SCS, proposing an improved sea-level prediction method that integrates EEMD and LSTM. The findings lay the groundwork for evaluating the risks of sea-level rise in low-lying regions of the northern SCS and inform future response strategies.

In this investigation, purified attapulgite (ATT) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were utilized to fabricate nanocomposite hydrogels and a xerogel, with a focus on studying the impact of minor additions of ATT on the properties of the PVA nanocomposite hydrogels and xerogel. The findings demonstrated that at a concentration of 0.75% ATT, the water content and gel fraction of the PVA nanocomposite hydrogel reached their peak. Conversely, the nanocomposite xerogel with 0.75% ATT reduced its swelling and porosity to the minimum. SEM and EDS analyses revealed that when the ATT concentration was at or below 0.5%, nano-sized ATT could be evenly distributed in the PVA nanocomposite xerogel. However, when the concentration of ATT rose to 0.75% or higher, the ATT began to aggregate, resulting in a decrease in porous structure and the disruption of certain 3D porous continuous structures. The XRD analysis further affirmed that at an ATT concentration of 0.75% or higher, a distinct ATT peak emerged in the PVA nanocomposite xerogel. It was observed that as the content of ATT increased, the concavity and convexity of the xerogel surface, as well as the surface roughness, decreased. The results also confirmed that the ATT was evenly distributed in the PVA, and a combination of hydrogen bonds and ether bonds resulted in a more stable gel structure. The tensile properties exhibited that when compared with pure PVA hydrogel, the maximum tensile strength and elongation at break were achieved at an ATT concentration of 0.5%, indicating increases of 23.0% and 11.8%, respectively. The FTIR analysis results showed that the ATT and PVA could generate an ether bond, further confirming that ATT could enhance the PVA properties. The TGA analysis showed that the thermal degradation temperature peaked when the ATT concentration was at 0.5%, providing further evidence that the compactness of the nanocomposite hydrogel and the dispersion of the nanofiller was superior, contributing to a substantial increase in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel. Finally, the dye adsorption results displayed a significant rise in dye removal efficiency for methylene blue with the increase in the ATT concentration. At an ATT concentration of 1%, the removal efficiency rose by 103% compared with that of the pure PVA xerogel.

Numerous pathogenic CALR exon 9 mutations have been identified in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), with type 1 (52bp deletion; CALRDEL) and type 2 (5bp insertion; CALRINS) being the most prevalent. Despite the universal pathobiology of MPN driven by various CALR mutants, it is unclear why different CALR mutations result in diverse clinical phenotypes. Through RNA sequencing followed by validation at the protein and mRNA levels, we found that S100A8 was specifically enriched in CALRDEL but not in CALRINS MPN-model cells. The expression of S100a8 could be regulated by STAT3 based on luciferase reporter assay complemented with inhibitor treatment. Pyrosequencing demonstrated relative hypomethylation in two CpG sites within the potential pSTAT3-targeting S100a8 promoter region in CALRDEL cells as compared to CALRINS cells, suggesting that distinct epigenetic alteration could factor into the divergent S100A8 levels in these cells. The functional analysis confirmed that S100A8 non-redundantly contributed to accelerated cellular proliferation and reduced apoptosis in CALRDEL cells. Clinical validation showed significantly enhanced S100A8 expression in CALRDEL-mutated MPN patients compared to CALRINS-mutated cases, and thrombocytosis was less prominent in those with S100A8 upregulation. This study provides indispensable insights into how different CALR mutations discrepantly drive the expression of specific genes that contributes to unique phenotypes in MPN.

The present study examines the social mobility trajectories of children of new immigrants (those who have at least one new immigrant parent) in early adulthood (between the ages of 18 and 40) in Taiwan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and online surveys. The findings demonstrate that there is no significant difference between the participating children of new immigrants and the general population in higher education attendance rate and annual income. Family socioeconomic status appears to be a significant factor in shaping their social mobility trajectories. Participants with a stable family financial situation are generally more advantaged, as seven out of eleven of them have graduated from a reputable university and have well-paid jobs. Nonetheless, there are some participants from a disadvantaged family background who have achieved upward mobility because their parents hold a positive attitude toward education and have found ways to support their education. There are other factors that have helped them overcome barriers posed by their family backgrounds such as supportive people, non-governmental organizations, and government policy. Although ethnic identity is trivial in this process generally, it is salient in certain situations thanks to relevant policy programs. The government’s recent emphasis on Southeast Asian languages and cultures and policy programs targeting children of new immigrants have made more choices available to them, which can be observed from their diverse social mobility trajectories.

The one-pot process, which combines the polymerization of polyaniline (i.e., PANI) with subsequent reduction of iron nanowire (i.e., Fe NW) under a magnetic field, was developed to produce Fe@PANI core–shell nanowires. The synthesized nanowires with various PANI additions (0–30 wt.%) were characterized and used as microwave absorbers. Epoxy composites with 10 wt.% absorbers were prepared and examined using the coaxial method to reveal their microwave absorbing performance. Experimental results showed that the Fe NWs with PANI additions (0–30 wt.%) had average diameters ranging from 124.72 to 309.73 nm. As PANI addition increases, the α-Fe phase content and the grain size decrease, while the specific surface area increases. The nanowire-added composites exhibited superior microwave absorption performance with wide effective absorption bandwidths. Among them, Fe@PANI-90/10 exhibits the best overall microwave absorption performance. With a thickness of 2.3 mm, effective absorption bandwidth was the widest and reached 3.73 GHz, ranging from 9.73 to 13.46 GHz. Whereas with a thickness of 5.4 mm, Fe@PANI-90/10 reached the best reflection loss of −31.87 dB at 4.53 GHz.

Attapulgite (ATT) has never been used as a barrier additive in polypropylene (PP). As a filler, ATT should be added in high content to PP. However, that would result in increased costs. Moreover, the compatibility between ATT and the PP matrix is poor due to the lack of functional groups in PP. In this study, carboxylic groups were introduced to PP to form a modified polypropylene (MPP). ATT was purified, and a low content of it was added to MPP to prepare MPP/ATT nanocomposites. The analysis from FTIR indicated that ATT could react with MPP. According to the results of oxygen and water permeability tests, the barrier performance of the nanocomposite was optimal when the ATT content was 0.4%. This great improvement in barrier performance might be ascribed to the following three reasons: (1) The existence of ATT extended the penetration path of O2 or H2O molecules; (2) O2 or H2O molecules may be adsorbed and stored in the porous structure of ATT; (3) Most importantly, –COOH of MPP reacted with –OH on the surface of ATT, thereby the inner structure of the nanocomposite was denser, and it was less permeable to molecules. Therefore, nanocomposites prepared by adding ATT to MPP have excellent properties and low cost. They can be used as food packaging materials and for other related applications.

The fish catch in natural upwelling areas, which accounts for only 0.1% of the ocean surface, accounts for more than 40% of the world’s catch. The Zhoushan fishery, which is the largest fishery in China, is mainly formed by a coastal upwelling that features a low temperature. The upwelling in the study area (29.5–31.5° N, 121.5–123.5° E) is a vital factor affecting the formation of the Zhoushan fishery, and the primary productivity and low temperature that are brought by the rising water are important features of the upwelling. This study used global real-time high-resolution multivariate fused satellite (OSTIA) daily sea surface temperature (SST) data developed by the United Kingdom Meteorological Office that were collected from 1981 to 2020 to explore the spatial and temporal variation of the characteristics of the upwelling phenomenon in the study area. The data were processed by a temperature gradient-based upwelling edge detection algorithm to extract information on the central location of the upwelling, the location clusters in the core area, and the intensity index. The quantities of center and core area clusters were counted for each pixel point, and their corresponding probability values were calculated. The results of the spatial and temporal variation of the characteristics of the upwelling show that the upwelling in the study area was generated in April of each year, increased in intensity, and peaked in August, furthermore, the southern part of the upwelling dissipated in September. The region’s upwelling is spatially oblique and elliptical, with its long axis following the northeast and extending as far as the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its central location and core area were relatively stably existing in Ma’an Archipelago and Zhongjieshan Islands, which was consistent with the location of the two marine pastures in Zhoushan. According to our findings, locations with higher probability values in the upwelling center and core area, where upwelling occurs frequently, are usually accompanied by higher productivity and offer the potential to develop fishing grounds. The insights that were drawn from the study observations can, therefore, provide some reference for future artificial upwelling site selection.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are used to treat anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated the role of inflammation and accumulation of environmental toxins (perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), such as perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate) in the erythropoietic response of HD patients who receive a fixed monthly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) dosage. Forty-five patients underwent three successive phases of ESA treatment for two months each (phase one: 100 µg CERA once monthly; phase two: 50 µg CERA twice monthly; phase three: 100 µg CERA once monthly). Patient data were collected to determine the association of various factors with erythropoietic response (change in hematocrit). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze perfluorinated chemicals. Twenty-eight patients exhibited a poor erythropoietic response that was significantly associated with: age > 80 years, initial hematocrit > 36%, glucose > 200 mg/dL, alanine aminotransferase > 21 U/L, c-reactive protein > 1 mg/dL, interleukin−6 > 10 ng/mL, lactate dehydrogenase ≤ 190 U/L, and chloride ≤ 93 mEq/L. There was also a borderline significant association between inflammation and PFCs, although PFCs failed to show any impact on ESA response. Age, glucose, chloride, liver function, and inflammation may be associated with cost-effective fixed CERA dosage administered at an increased frequency.

Warehouse accidents have become of wide concern to the public because they often cause heavy economic losses and heavy casualties. Therefore, it is critical to foster the safety and reliability of warehouse facilities to reduce accidents. However, in the relevant literature, the increased safety of warehouse facilities has seldom been researched. This is a main research gap that the authors would like to supplement with the aim of enhancing warehouse facility reliability to improve risk management in a comprehensive and reliable way. The objectives of this research article are to collect the critical risks from the relevant literature and interviewees, to calculate the weights of four critical indicators (O, S, D, and E) by the BWM approach, and to rank the critical risks of picking and material-handling accidents in a warehouse facility through GRA, the HFACS model, and the FMEA approach. The ranking results show that cost is the most essential element and the expected cost > detection > severity > occurrence, according to the average value of experts’ comprehensive consideration of importance. Next, GRA is used to prioritize the critical risks of picking and material-handling accidents. The main contribution is that we identify 18 major critical risk accidents of the HFACS risk categories and make up for the insufficiency of past research that lacks an empirical analysis of the risks of picking and material-handling accidents in warehouse facilities.

Tissue differentiation varies based on patients’ conditions, such as occlusal force and bone properties. Thus, the design of the implants needs to take these conditions into account to improve osseointegration. However, the efficiency of the design procedure is typically not satisfactory and needs to be significantly improved. Thus, a deep learning network (DLN) is proposed in this study. A data-driven DLN consisting of U-net, ANN, and random forest models was implemented. It serves as a surrogate for finite element analysis and the mechano-regulation algorithm. The datasets include the history of tissue differentiation throughout 35 days with various levels of occlusal force and bone properties. The accuracy of day-by-day tissue differentiation prediction in the testing dataset was 82%, and the AUC value of the five tissue phenotypes (fibrous tissue, cartilage, immature bone, mature bone, and resorption) was above 0.86, showing a high prediction accuracy. The proposed DLN model showed the robustness for surrogating the complex, time-dependent calculations. The results can serve as a design guideline for dental implants.

In critically ill patients, risk scores are used; however, they do not provide information for nutritional intervention. This study combined the levels of phenylalanine and leucine amino acids (PLA) to improve 30-day mortality prediction in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and to see whether PLA could help interpret the nutritional phases of critical illness. We recruited 676 patients with APACHE II scores ≥ 15 or intubated due to respiratory failure in ICUs, including 537 and 139 patients in the initiation and validation (multicenter) cohorts, respectively. In the initiation cohort, phenylalanine ≥ 88.5 μM (indicating metabolic disturbance) and leucine < 68.9 μM (indicating malnutrition) were associated with higher mortality rate. Based on different levels of phenylalanine and leucine, we developed PLA scores. In different models of multivariable analyses, PLA scores predicted 30-day mortality independent of traditional risk scores (p < 0.001). PLA scores were then classified into low, intermediate, high, and very-high risk categories with observed mortality rates of 9.0%, 23.8%, 45.6%, and 81.8%, respectively. These findings were validated in the multicenter cohort. PLA scores predicted 30-day mortality better than APACHE II and NUTRIC scores and provide a basis for future studies to determine whether PLA-guided nutritional intervention improves the outcomes of patients in ICUs.

Hyperlipidemia is increasing in prevalence and is highly correlated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipid-lowering medications prevent CVD but may not be suitable when the side effects are intolerable or hypercholesterolemia is too severe. Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DF) has shown its therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia, but its side effects are not yet known. We enrolled 45 adults with hyperlipidemia in our study. The sera before and two weeks after DF were evaluated, and we also analyzed perfluorochemicals to see if DF could remove these lipophilic toxins. After DF, all lipid profile components (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) had significantly decreased. Leukocyte counts increased while platelet levels decreased, which may have been caused by the puncture wound from DF and consumption of platelets during the process. As for uremic toxins and inflammation, levels of C-reactive protein, uric acid, and alanine transaminase (ALT) all decreased, which may be related to the removal of serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and improvement of renal function. The total cholesterol/HDL ratio and triglycerides were significantly higher in the diabetes mellitus (DM) group at baseline but did not significantly differ after DF. In conclusion, DF showed potential for improving inflammation and removing serum lipids and PFOS in adults with hyperlipidemia.

The authors request the following corrections because the changes made according to the second round of the review process were not included in the original publication [...]

Poloxamers are negatively temperature-sensitive hydrogels and their hydrophilic groups interact with water molecules at lower temperatures (liquid phase) while their hydrophobic groups interact more strongly with increases in temperature causing gelation. To investigate the factors affecting the rheological properties of poloxamers, various parameters including different poloxamer P407 concentrations, poloxamers P407/P188 blending ratios and additives were examined. The results presented a clear trend of decreasing gelling temperature/time when P407 was at higher concentrations. Moreover, the addition of P188 enhanced the gelling temperature regardless of poloxamer concentration. Polysaccharides and their derivatives have been widely used as components of hydrogel and we found that alginic acid (AA) or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) reduced the gelling temperature of poloxamers. In addition, AA-containing poloxamer promoted cell proliferation and both AA -and CMC-containing poloxamer hydrogels reduced cell migration. This study investigated the intriguing characteristics of poloxamer-based hydrogel, providing useful information to compounding an ideal and desired thermo-sensitive hydrogel for further potential clinical applications such as development of sprayable anti-adhesive barrier, wound-healing dressings or injectable drug-delivery system for cartilage repair.

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability across the world, and its detrimental impact should not be underestimated. Therapies are available and effective for ischemic stroke (e.g., thrombolytic recanalization and mechanical thrombectomy); however, there are limitations to therapeutic interventions. Recanalization therapy has developed dramatically, while the use of adjunct neuroprotective agents as complementary therapies remains deficient. Pathological TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) has been identified as a major component of insoluble aggregates in numerous neurodegenerative pathologies, including ALS, FTLD and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we show that increased pathological TDP-43 fractions accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function and increased gliosis were observed in an ischemic stroke rat model, suggesting a pathological role of TDP-43 in ischemic stroke. In ischemic rats administered rapamycin, the insoluble TDP-43 fraction was significantly decreased in the ischemic cortex region, accompanied by a recovery of mitochondrial function, the attenuation of cellular apoptosis, a reduction in infarct areas and improvements in motor defects. Accordingly, our results suggest that rapamycin provides neuroprotective benefits not only by ameliorating pathological TDP-43 levels, but also by reversing mitochondrial function and attenuating cell apoptosis in ischemic stroke.